BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA

Okay, my 2 year old asked me to take him to see "Terabekia." And so I decided to take him to see his very first movie. He'd never asked to actually go and see a movie before, and he's such a busy body that I dreaded trying to get him to sit long enough to endure a one-plus hour movie. But this one...it must have really caught his attention, because he'd been running around for about a week going, "Terabekia mommy, Terabekia." And personally, I love animated film. I remember first finding out that I was expecting and one of the things I was thrilled about was the fact that I'd actually have a good reason to go and see these types of movies without looking like a looney bird.

So anyway we went to see Bridge to Terabithia yesterday. It was absolutely wonderful. I enjoyed it, and although my son did get a little antsy after about 45 minutes, he enjoyed it as well.

It was a classic movie about the bright, underdog grade-schooler who triumphs in the end. Jess, the star of the movie, is a gifted, self-taught artist, whose family is having their share of financial problems. So I pretty much figured that with his artistic talent, and the gift of imagination that his new friend (Leslie) introduces, that these two would end up writing a children's adventure, once they were done living it, that would surely bring financial blessings to both their families.

I couldn't have been more wrong. And I must admit that I was truly surprised by the ending. The lessons this little boy were to learn were far more real than you'd ever expect to see in a children's fantasy adventure.

The movie, which is based on the novel by Katherine Paterson, is beautifully animated and directed. It's captivating to audiences of all ages. The story line, which employs both fantasy and realism, is so rich and colorful that the messages can be felt by all.

I give this movie an unofficial 5 stars, since I'm not officially a movie critic. I will not give away the ending though. You will just have to go and see it for yourself! I know you won't be disappointed.

Vee